Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suddenly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suddenly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
どっと
どっと (dotto)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
突如
とつじょ (totsujo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suddenly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between どっと and 突如.
In Japanese, どっと (どっと (dotto)) is typically associated with "suddenly, all at once, in a rush, in a flood" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something happening suddenly and simultaneously involving many people or things, or a sudden, overwhelming feeling. Often associated with laughter, tears, or people rushing somewhere..
On the other hand, 突如 (とつじょ (totsujo)) maps to "suddenly, all of a sudden" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A formal and strong way to express suddenness. Often used for unexpected, dramatic events or actions. Similar to 突然. A literal translation of "suddenly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "どっと"
彼の冗談に、会場の全員がどっと笑った。
Everyone in the venue burst into laughter at his joke.
Bilingual Context for "突如"
会議中に、彼は突如として立ち上がり、意見を述べた。
During the meeting, he suddenly stood up and expressed his opinion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の冗談に、会場の全員が ＿＿＿ 笑った。" (Meaning: "Everyone in the venue burst into laughter at his joke.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "どっと" fits here because it means "suddenly, all at once, in a rush, in a flood" in the context of: "Everyone in the venue burst into laughter at his joke.". "突如" represents "suddenly, all of a sudden".